Less blue, more red light therapy, and a deep night's sleep will follow.

Discover the Benefits of Red Light Therapy Lamps for Better Sleep

In the spotlight of modern technology, there is often talk about the dangers of blue light and its impact on our sleep. But let's be honest, while blue light is having its moment in the spotlight, we have overlooked a secret hero— red light. Everyone is talking about the problem, but let's talk about a solution, and why that solution might just cast a warm, red glow on your nighttime adventures.

Amidst all the fuss about blue light, it is high time to shine a spotlight on the forgotten warrior of the light spectrum: red light. Too much blue light at the wrong time is the culprit and must certainly be limited, but we can also counteract this with red light...

Light spectrum

Light is the electromagnetic energy that naturally comes from the sun. It consists of small particles, known as photons, and manifests itself as vibrations (waves). The frequencies of these light waves are usually measured in nanometers (nm), with one nanometer equal to one millionth of a millimeter. The human eye is capable of perceiving frequencies within the range of approximately 380 nm to 780 nm. Wavelengths at the shorter end of this spectrum carry more energy than the longer wavelengths.

The human eye is remarkably sensitive to light and can convert a signal into what we perceive as color based on the amount of energy. Different colors can be distinguished, such as:

• Violet (380 nm – 435 nm)
• Blue (435 nm – 520 nm) (Find out everything about blue light in this blog)

• Green (520 nm – 565 nm)
• Yellow (565 nm – 590 nm)
• Orange (590 nm – 625 nm)
• Red (625 nm - 780 nm)

Outside the visible spectrum, we find:

• Ultraviolet (UV) (280 nm - 380 nm)
• Infrared (IR) (750 nm – 1 mm)

Red Light

Red light, with longer wavelengths, is mainly present during the morning and evening hours when the sun is lower in the sky. This red light acts as a natural signal for our bodies. In the morning, it indicates that it is time to wake up and start the day. In the evening, it acts as a trigger for the release of melatonin, our sleep hormone, and prepares the body for rest and sleep.

Interestingly, to a certain extent, we can mimic the beneficial effects of morning and evening sunlight using red light therapy. This therapy uses specific wavelengths of red light to mimic the natural signals of the sun. In the morning, red light can help stimulate alertness and energy, while in the evening it can help support a healthy sleep cycle by promoting melatonin production. This approach offers an interesting opportunity to support our daily rhythm and further explore the importance of light for our well-being.

How do you apply red light therapy and when?

Red light therapy has recently emerged as a potential way to support our well-being, but how can we best apply it and when? Here are some guidelines to help you get the most out of this therapy.

In the morning, it is ideal to be exposed to red light for about 15 minutes. This can be directly on the body or in the eyes. The good news is that there is no evidence that red light is harmful to the eyes, making it safe for use. This morning exposure can help stimulate alertness and promote positive energy to start the day.

For evening use, it is recommended to turn on the lamp when the sun goes down. This can help support a healthy sleep cycle by promoting the natural release of melatonin. It is especially useful in the winter months, when the days are shorter and our biorhythm sometimes falls out of sync with natural sunrise and sunset. In summer, we often have sufficient exposure to natural light, reducing the need for additional red light therapy.

In short, applying red light therapy in the morning and evening, in the right way and at the right times, can be a valuable addition to our daily routine, especially when natural exposure to sunlight is limited.

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Alina - Sleep advice for the hustle and bustle of everyday life!